“… Has Knowledge of [Interpersonal] Facilitation Techniques and Theory; Has the Ability to Facilitate [Interpersonally]… ”

Abstract

Various authors, including members of the Network, have identified facilitation as one of several forms of knowledge (K5) and abilities (A6) essential to the sound pursuit of the health care ethics consultation process.1 In this context, facilitation (an individual’s ability to make easy, to promote, to help forward an action or result) can be understood to comprise at least two quite different, but complementary activities.

The reference to those who “own” the moral problem is borrowed from F. Baylis, “Ethics Consultation: The Hospital for Sick Children Initiative” HEC Forum 3;5 (1991): 289. This notion may be fleshed out with reference to Christine Mitchell’s response to the question “who should decide about the goals of care?” Her response includes: those who bear the burden of both care and conscience; those with special knowledge (technical knowledge and experiential knowledge); and those health professionals with the most continuous, committed, and trusting relationship. Christine Mitchell, “Care of Severely Impaired Infant Raises Ethical Issues,” The American Nurse 16.3 (1984): 9.Google Scholar

7.

For a comparison of the various activities, see L. N. Rangarajan, The Limitation of Conflict: A Theory of Bargaining and Negotiation (London: Croom, 1985 ) 258,259; more generally, see Paul Wehr, Conflict Regulation ( Boulder, CO: Westview, 1979 ).Google Scholar